Hawks Bombshell | Sam Mitchell to replace Clarko as coach in 2023 | AFL360 | Fox Footy

[@gustaaf1892]

As an ex North Melbourne player I always hoped he would return to coach the club one day. He could have set the place up for success, but unfortunately that never happened. By far the best coach in the last 20 years. The handover to Mitchell was foreshadowed some time ago, so hardly a bombshell.

[@dougharrison7844]

The only way it can work is for the highest levels of football management to gather all the players, Clarko and Sam in one room and tell them straight, this is Clarko's team until the end of next year. His voice is the only voice, and then pull Sam aside and tell him if you want things done a certain way, to develop players in certain positions for instance you run it by Clarko. Surely two grown men with so much success acheived together can work together to get this right.

[@imalwaysright]

When Sam Mitchell announced yesterday he wasn’t going for the Collingwood job, the writing was on the wall. I’m still kinda shocked though.

[@shinjuku96jackson4]

How is it surprising he is extremely loyal to his club

[@imalwaysright]

@@shinjuku96jackson4 I meant that Mitchell announcement meant Clarko was out. It’s a still shock Clarko is gone.

[@shinjuku96jackson4]

@@imalwaysright it's for the best tho he's given me so much great memories to look back on there is a end to everything we should accept Our Fates and look to the future with Excitement. I'm sure Mitchell will do fantastic things for Hawthorn betterment.

[@ipredictariot6371]

I totally get what you mean.. funny how your words can be re-interpreted lol it seems like you did recognize fate! Doesn’t dull the realized shock in the impending loss of Clarko though!

[@StuTheDon17]

Tip of the cap to Mitchell. I wish he was still an assistant at the Eagles. We certainly need him!!

[@purplehazeffc]

Clarkson to West Coast.. Heard it hear 1st..

[@markharrison6498]

@@purplehazeffc here

[@dwaynejoyce1357]

As a Bomber supporter I've always admired Clarko, best coach of the modern era no question. What ever he does he will do it with style and gusto. I wish him all the best he will leave a legacy that will probably never be surpassed. 👍

[@wooloongabba]

Hold my beer , Come on , Hardwick 3 of last 4 flags and unlucky to not be 4 from 4 surely is the best coach bar now . Just making 10 years as a tiges coach makes you a legend lmao

[@dwaynejoyce1357]

@@wooloongabba Only using Clarko given current circumstances. Hardwick is a phenomenally great coach but still in the box. Hardwick will go down as one of the greats for sure. Happy now 👍🤣

[@jackmccarthy3793]

The Sydney Swans succession plan was a great example of a success plan to only happen a few years ago with very little bad press.

[@jeremybean-hodges6397]

The major difference is that Roos wanted to leave.

[@imalwaysright]

Hawthorn have had a strange year. They’ve been good in patches. I thought they were tanking for a while to get draft picks lol, then improved when Clarke’s job was on the line. It’s a bold move to get rid of Clarko. I just hope it works. I can see him coaching elsewhere. Why isn’t Jeff gone? Why don’t they get rid of him 😜

[@robertdurham5331]

Clarkson should go to Collingwood for next year at the end of this year

[@bigal4109]

Clarko is retiring I believe and they are handing it down to Mitchell. he is in the process of rebuilding the club and there is no one better who knows the club and Clarkos ideals for the club they are showing massive promis and by 2023 hawks could well be competing for finals or even a top 4 spot

[@cryptozuu9144]

@@bigal4109 Whilst I would have loved to see Clarko rebuild a side like Sheedy did at Essendon, their is great continuity with Mitchell in a style and philosophical sense I imagine. He was influential with the Eagles midfield in 2018 that hasn't shown the same aptitude since and has so far done a really good job at Box Hill. I would love for the succession plan to play out because one more year as assistant under Clarko and Box Hil coach would be ideal for Mitch.

[@mrporkchop-lx6ed]

@@bigal4109 agreed mate

[@marnuscoreyempanadaslooseb6760]

BECAUSE KENNETT IS THE MAN THAT KEEPS THE CLUB AS STRONG AS IT IS, HE IS THE REASON WERE STILL THE STRONGEST WHILE BEING 17TH.

[@eliduval]

i don’t know why everyone’s so shocked by this. he was always taking over clarkson at some point in the near future

[@imalwaysright]

It’s still a shock to the system and an adjustment. Clarko is a legend and synonymous with Hawthorn. It’s a bold, risky move.

[@Skulduggery_P]

Smokey: Clarkson Moves to GC and takes em to a flag, whats that paying?

[@mrporkchop-lx6ed]

300k to 1 haha

[@melaniew52]

Dunstall said Clarkson has family obligations in Victoria until 2024. Guessing that's his kids finishing school.

[@chris8534]

Classy to leave it till after Burgoines 400th

[@woodsmen9844]

Clarkson won’t be Hawthorn coach in 2022. He’ll either jump ship to Carlton or Collingwood.

[@redtiger4352]

Why would he break his contract and risk losing his salary plus financial damages??

[@robertdurham5331]

Why would anyone want to coach Collingwood at the moment they have huge problems that someone like him doesn't need

[@rakmut]

@@redtiger4352 Dynamics will be different.

[@SV0747]

@@robertdurham5331malthouse come in with problems but turned it around quickly

[@terrythekittieful]

@@robertdurham5331 He might be up for the challenge at Collingwood if it's on his terms. Collingwood could do worse, they would be mad not to take him but it all depends on their inflated egos and if they are able to deflate some of that crap.

[@joelkeane3160]

This has been in the works for years. Wasn’t it Clarkson who encouraged Mitchell to play at West Coast as a means to broadening his scope for a return to Hawthorn. That’s exactly how the media explained it at the time.

[@terrythekittieful]

What if Alastair gets the Hawks up and running early next year on track to make a finals series? Whether he stays or leaves, the best coach so far this century. Go the Cats!

[@redtiger4352]

That would make Sam job easier and succeed and hence making the decision look correct

[@scottbrushett152]

Don't forget Leigh Mathews was pretty good also .. But yes I do lean towards clarkson because of how many people under him have gone out to the top position.. Ultimate professional

[@terrythekittieful]

@@scottbrushett152 Yes, Simpson and Hardwick? With his apprentices going on to have premierships themselves you could almost say he deserves credit points there, as though he has four and a half premierships to his name. Matthews, best player/coach of all time, has to be. Ablett snr. best player of all time.

[@scottbrushett152]

@@terrythekittieful True .. Ablett snr.. is debatable though...

[@SV0747]

He'll be at Collingwood after the season. He'll get things Wright quickly at the pies

[@cryptozuu9144]

I think the Hawthorn board had right scenario in mind. No one has mentioned the fact that Kennett and board felt that the next piece of silverware may be more than 5 years away. In that case, they couldn't rely on the fact the Clarko would stay beyond that next period. And by then, the club may have gone 11 or 12 seasons without a flag under Clarko. Appointing Mitchell was insurance that he could go the distance, perhaps get a flag in 5 years but more likely, grab one in the next 10. I think both Thompson at Geelong and Hardwick at Richmond scored in their 8th year. It may take that long for Mitchell and maybe too long for Clarko. My guess is that Clarko's next appointment would be with a list that is little more advanced than the one he inherited at Hawthorn. If he wants to stay in Melbourne then there are only two clubs that I can see that would be looking to appoint a coach in the next 18 months rather than continue to invest in the current coach and that is Collingwood and Carlton. Carlton would be the best fit in my mind but they would have to appoint him at the end of the season and break the succession plan at Hawthorn. I can't see the Blues telling Teague that we'll see how you go in 2022 then sack him and appoint Clarko at the end of next season.

[@OZDuncan]

Dumb Decision. They have not thought this through. Mitchell is not experienced enough. Should have left Clarkson in charge again to build another for another premiership. Mitchell should have gone to another club as an assistant coach.

[@robertdurham5331]

That's not true

[@paulmcgrory5165]

Kennet is a grub. They have just said to Clarkson we will honour your contract but clock on every day. They are hoping that Clarkson finds it humiliating and walks out. Hawthorn then doesnt have to pay him out. They want Clarkson to breach his contract and resign.

[@seanlynch1185]

Kennett is a jealous and insecure knife man = always has been. I can't believe other Hawk supports actually trust him to run our club

[@paulmcgrory5165]

@@seanlynch1185 Considering your club had two of the real giants and greats of football. The great John Kennedy and Don Scott. All the best for the future mate.

[@darylcumming7119]

It didn't work out well for the pies in the recent past . Lets wait and see what happens at Hawthorn.

[@robertdurham5331]

That's exactly right

[@cryptozuu9144]

Whilst the transfer was messy, Bucks was two minutes short of a premiership. Roos handover bore a premiership in year two. Essendon's future looks rosy under Rutten and Goodwin has the demons at the top of the ladder. Pretty good track record I think.

[@stevemorrish8152]

Can we please have Clarkson at Carlton.

[@robertdurham5331]

Yes you can have him

[@flyingdutch9818]

You think clarko and mitche’ll didn’t manufacture this scenario together? “Hey Sam, pies won’t take you but they will take me and the hawks will def take you. Howabout we make them panic and we both win?!” Clarko to the Pies for 2022 and Sam to adopt at Hawks

[@brendonwatt6098]

Hawthorn won't be back for the flag next year, they're rebuilding, and Mitchell has 4 years of coaching experience in different roles, at 2 clubs and head coaching VFL, and it'll be 2 years at VFL and 5 all together next year. Hardwick was with him from From 05-09 as assistant coach. Beveridge was defence coach from 12-14, Simpson was assistant in 2010-11-12 and midfield/forward coach in 2013. Its the right move, and you believe clarko will see out the 18 months, no bad blood like the Collingwood scenario.

[@javkosborne7853]

What is sam Mitchell is hawlton coach in 2023

[@jimethota]

What's with the weird music?

[@mrporkchop-lx6ed]

Pretty sure clarko had this plan was brewed up when Sam was traded too west coast. Clarko wasn't gonna coach us forever and they knew this and who better to take over. Well I believe anyway. Go the hawks!!!

[@seanprice2990]

Why would Clarkson hang around next year knowing he'll be gone? I'd be staggered if he's not at the Pies next year

[@redtiger4352]

Because there is this thing call a contract....unless he forces the Hawks to release him

[@robertdurham5331]

@@redtiger4352 exactly right

[@seanprice2990]

@@redtiger4352 I still reckon Hawthorn will release him from his contract and he'll go to Collingwood. The Pies need him, they'll make an offer he can't refuse

[@jarradbaker8200]

If they didn’t appoint Mitchell and he went elsewhere and had success it would be viewed as a mistake on hawthorns part, but if they let clarko go elsewhere and he has success, then everyone will criticise the hawks for that too.... cant win either way

[@likedporter2895]

I bet Clarkson started discussions

[@andrewwhite6586]

Clarkson dumped Hodge, Lewis, Birchall etc when he thought they were past it. He can't complain if Hawthorn do the same to him.

[@melaniew52]

Big mistake by Hawthorn.

[@davidagiel8130]

So Clarko going to Collingwood then.

[@robertdurham5331]

I suppose so Yes

[@Somchai007]

It's exactly what the Pies need. An injection of the Hawthorn way. Just like Matthews did in 90..

[@scottbrushett152]

🤮

[@seanlynch1185]

There is still time to sack Kennett and reverse the worst decision my club has ever made

[@joabjohnstone5217]

This only makes sense to me if they asked clarko first do you see yourself here for the next 5 years.. If he says no then you move otherwise you lock up the best coach who is clarko.. He should quit now have a vacation and then start coaching another club next year if he wants to continue coaching..

[@seanlynch1185]

They didn't ask him because they knew he would have said "Im all in"

[@joabjohnstone5217]

@@seanlynch1185 Then you take him.. He is the best coach in the game.. You dont say bye.. It is as idiotic as Collingwood changing coaches in the midst of a premiership run with the youngest team ever... Like its dumb.. And I think Mitchell could be really good but no way in hell would I take Mitchell over Clarko..

[@seanlynch1185]

@@joabjohnstone5217 I know. The club is lying to us and most Hawthorn fans want to spread the Pollyanna message. The truth is we sacked clarskon and Clarkson response was "okay, but i aint done coaching"

[@brettbrett9973]

A disaster like Collingwood happening. Yes Kennett had a say .Very strange and I can see Hawthorn being in a lot of trouble in a few years.

[@robertdurham5331]

Exactly right

[@SV0747]

They made a granny in 2018 prelim in 2019 semi in 2020.. Look at Carlton Melbourne and essendon coaching disasters

[@paulkyriakopoulos3444]

Big deal come on pies you don't need any of these two coaching guru's. Appoint a young coach who's ready to take over. Gawks got lucky with angry clarko. Clubs don't need to follow gawks style that is in the doldrums for decades.

[@wooloongabba]

Clarko best going around , Hawks 17th only due to Roos having worst season ever . Jason blinded like Eddie , not objective in any way , your as good as your last season , 17 th is crap